Queen Camilla brought a piece of royal and Welsh history to the spotlight during her visit to Cardiff with King Charles III. Her choice of jewellery emphasised the ceremony's importance and marked a new chapter for the Welsh Parliament.
The Queen wore her Welsh Guards Diamond Leek Brooch at the ceremonial opening of the seventh Senedd on 15 October, paired with a red coat dress and black accessories. The brooch's diamond emblem links it to the regiment and reflects a longstanding royal tradition.
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Their Majesties KIng Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived for the Ceremonial Opening Of The Seventh Senedd in Cardiff, Wales. Today's ceremony in the Siambr will mark the formal opening of the seventh Senedd. The… pic.twitter.com/ORlLsRO17U
A Brooch With Welsh Roots
The diamond leek brooch is closely associated with Wales and the Welsh Guards, whose regimental badge features the leek. As a traditional Welsh emblem, the leek made the brooch especially appropriate for the royal couple's parliamentary visit.
Camilla received her version of the brooch after she married Charles in 2005, when he was Prince of Wales. It features diamonds shaped like a leek, with a small yellow-gold section representing the vegetable's roots. This gold detail distinguishes her brooch from similar versions worn by other royal women.
Queen Camilla, Welsh Guards Diamond Leek Brooch detail https://t.co/OPCzAbBFo5 pic.twitter.com/QEDzBg5QQ7
— no context queen camilla (@nocontxtcamilla) July 11, 2024
In addition to its connection to Wales, the brooch reflects the leek's association with the Welsh Guards, linking Camilla's jewellery to the regiment's heritage. However, its exact specifications, such as total carat weight, number of stones, and estimated value, are unknown.
Camilla's piece is one of several distinct diamond leek brooches in the royal collection. While they share the Welsh emblem, each brooch differs in construction and appearance.
A Royal Jewellery Tradition
Queen Elizabeth II received the original Welsh Guards Diamond Leek Brooch as a regimental gift in 1960. Guards servicemen contributed to its cost and design, which she first wore publicly in 1965.
Diana, then Princess of Wales, received a separate diamond leek brooch during her marriage to Charles, reportedly in the mid-1980s. She wore it at several Welsh engagements, including a visit to Cardiff on St David's Day in 1991.
Prince William, accompanied by his parents, Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, meets the public during his first official engagement on St. David's Day, March 1, 1991 in Cardiff, Wales. pic.twitter.com/8hQtDIIIwZ
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Camilla, in turn, received her own version in 2005 after marrying Charles. Catherine also owns a diamond leek brooch, which she wore during a March 2023 visit to the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks.
Although the brooches share a design, no one royal woman has passed one to another. Instead, several brooches recreate the Welsh Guards' emblem for different members of the royal family, maintaining the tradition through unique pieces.
Camilla's Senedd Outfit
For the ceremony, Camilla wore a bespoke red coat dress by Fiona Clare and a matching hat by Philip Treacy. She completed her outfit with diamond-and-pearl drop earrings, black suede and leather cap-toe pumps by Eliot Zed, and a black Dior Toujours Vertical Tote.
Against the red outfit, the brooch's diamonds and gold stood out, making the Welsh emblem the focal point of her accessories. Camilla has worn the brooch on previous visits to Wales, including the Senedd's 25th-anniversary celebrations in July 2024.
A Historic Parliamentary Opening
The visit marked the formal opening of the Senedd's seventh term and was the first such ceremony Charles attended as king. The Welsh Parliament expanded from 60 to 96 members following the May 2026 election, significantly changing its composition.
🏴 King Charles & Queen Camilla preside over the Ceremonial Opening of the Seventh Senedd in Cardiff pic.twitter.com/n7HoCjM3RZ
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During his address, Charles reflected on his longstanding connection to Wales, highlighting its language, culture, and landscape. He also expressed concern about climate change and its impact on the Welsh countryside.
The ceremony also marked a political transition, as Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth began his tenure as First Minister after his party won the election. The royal engagement combined a significant parliamentary occasion with a display of jewellery that reflects Wales's national identity and enduring connection to the monarchy.
